How to tell if a cat is pregnant

Has your young cat fallen pregnant before she could be spayed? Have you seen a local stray cat who you think may be pregnant? Or do you want kittens from your beloved pet? 

Whichever your situation, we’re going to help you recognise the signs and, if your cat is pregnant, prepare to support your feline friend through her pregnancy!

Signs your female cat is ‘in heat’

Before we can focus on the signs your cat may potentially be pregnant, it’s important to be able to recognise the indicators that she’s in heat.

‘In heat’ refers to the time in your female cat’s cycle that she’s at her most fertile. Cats who are in heat can get pregnant. 

Since cats as young as four months can have kittens of their own, it’s something pet parents need to keep an eye on, in the interests of feline welfare!

Interesting fact: Cats can produce a litter of kittens who each have a different father.

From around February until October, your female cat could go through a cycle every few weeks. To protect her from pregnancy, your feline friend will need to be kept indoors, away from unneutered males, while she’s at her most fertile. 

Here are the signs your female feline could be in heat:

• Extra affectionate behaviour.
• Calling loudly.
• Arching her back.
• Holding her tail to the side.
• Rolling around.
• Seeming unsettled.
• Appearing uncomfortable.
• Seeking the attention of male cats.

For advice about taking care of your cat during her cycle, or to find out when you’re able to spay your cat, please speak to a vet. 

Is my cat pregnant or overweight?

While it can be challenging to know whether your cat is pregnant or just overweight, it’s important to take note of how much you’re feeding them. Over time, cats can pile on the pounds if they’re eating too much food! 

Sometimes, there are slight differences in appearance when a cat is overweight vs. when she’s pregnant. For example, if your cat is overweight but not pregnant, you might notice:

• A round body shape.
• Fat pads hanging under her belly.
• Her ribs, backbone, and/or hip bones can’t be felt.

However, to accurately be able to tell the difference between obesity and pregnancy, you’ll need the help of a vet. So, if you’re unsure whether your cat is overweight or pregnant, it’s best to take her to the vet to be checked over.

Cat pregnancy signs

If your cat is pregnant, you’ll probably notice changes to her:

Eating habits

Unless they’re feeling the effects of morning sickness (like humans can get!), your feline friend may be hungrier than usual if she’s expecting. The further along in her pregnancy, the greater the likelihood that your cat’s appetite will increase.

Sleeping habits

Creating life is tiring work! 

So, don’t be surprised when your cat sleeps more than usual if she’s pregnant.

Nipples

A few weeks into pregnancy, your cat’s nipples may swell and turn a pink colour – which is an indication of pregnancy.

During the last week or so of pregnancy, you may notice your cat starts to produce milk.

Body shape

Alongside noticeable weight gain, your feline friend’s body shape might transform so much that she has a dipped back and bulging abdomen.

Behaviour

Purring more than usual, and acting overly affectionate towards you, could suggest that your cat is pregnant. 

‘Nesting’ is another common behaviour for pregnant cats. If your feline friend takes herself to a quiet, cosy spot and starts re-arranging blankets or bedding, it’s likely she’s nesting in preparation for the arrival of her kittens.

How to spot pregnancy in stray cats

Unless you’re familiar with a stray cat and see her on a daily basis, it’s tricky to tell whether or not she’s pregnant from a distance.

Something worth noting, however, is that stray cats are often underweight if they aren’t getting the right nutrition. So, if you notice a female stray cat whose ribs, spine, and/or hip bones are visible with a bulging abdomen, there may be a chance that she’s expecting kittens.

Please contact your vet or local animal rescue centre for advice if you suspect a stray cat might be pregnant.